Floor Standing or In Wall speakers

Thanks To everyone who responded to my question , Iam going to stay with foor standing speakers, because there are more choices to upgrade .

"Acoustic theory suggests very strongly that they should sound much better."(Shadorne on in-walls).
Some acoustical theory suggests that a flush mounted inwall speaker has acoustical advantages, in regards to speaker to boundary frequency cancellation, maybe even boundary reinforcement, and lack of diffraction or back wave reflection. The main acoustical dis-advantage is bass mode reinforcement. (basically YOU NEED an EQ involved with in-walls, regardless. So, in HT systems with small acoustical spaces, you'll need to get an EQ or DSP correction involved.
Another problem with inwalls, is that only the sealed designs are really workable from an audiophile stand point. Still, you can't "aim" the speakers for tonality, from a variety of seating situations, even stereo listening, likely. (another drawback for "dialing in" speakers). Also, plotting speaker locations is harder with in-walls than free-standing speakers.
I do admit it seems that in-walls are improving, yes. IN some situations, they make sense, and might be necessary.
Still, I like the flexibility and predictability of box speakers.

I have both. My in-walls are at the high end - Paradigm reference. My floorstanders are only average. It depends on what you mean by "as good as".

IMO, it is extremely difficult (I'd say impossible) to make the wall as inert as a well designed cabinet. And, it's very difficult to properly place in-walls for optimum listening while also minimizing wall movement.

In walls are a cosmetic choice that function quite well if chosen well and care is taken in their installation. With respect to frequency response and detail - my in-walls (w/ sub) have greater range and as good transparency as my floorstanders. With respect to imaging? No contest. The in-walls are not even close. I can hear the wall movement interfering w/ frequency response. And, trim work, my TV, etc, all interfere w/ the imaging of the in-walls.

All in all, I'm very happy w/ my in-walls. The sound is more than acceptable for movies and casual listening. But, it's nowhere close to that produced my very average floorstanders.

Best,

What about the Meridian A350s?

I have been wondering about this issue myself. I had planned to use a pair of inwalls for the main speakers in a music room, as the existing stereo system uses larger sized speakers, and the second pair of home theater speakers is somewhat cluttered. My only experience with in wall occured 40 years ago, when a friend tried to mount a pair of (AR 3As in wall, between his listening room and the garage. WAF here) All theory aside, it did not sound good at all, soundfield collapsed, and generally was a major disappointment. They were promptly removed, and the wall repaneled.

Home theater has the addional benefit of 5+ channels of sound, which could reduce the soundfield collapse issue.
I just hate to cut holes in the wall, and discover I don't care for the result. Anyone out there with an in wall installation who had used free standing speakers who can comment?